At MR. GREEK, the experience is key, and the franchise’s motto, “Because Life has to be Enjoyed,” certainly backs that up. George Raios, President & CEO, says MR. GREEK offers a comfortable, family-friendly space that provides healthy cooked-to-order meals, with a generous dose of classic Greek hospitality.
Raios is big on working together, and is quick to credit his team for the system’s success, noting the addition of seven units in less than two years, and increasing system-wide sales, all while MR. GREEK rebranded to a premium casual concept, and navigated the changes of the Healthy Menu Choices Act in Ontario.
While Raios recognizes the value of hard work, he also understands the need to unwind. Here, Raios shares his thoughts on Canadian franchising, and the joy that comes from spending time with family (and an excellent glass of wine).
The most interesting thing I’ve done recently is…
In my recent travels to Dubai to see our store opening, I spent half a day in what seemed like the middle of nowhere in a desert for an amazing first-hand experience in the food and culture of the UAE.
In its best form, work is…
An enjoyment.
A good franchisee…
Is nothing less than an owner of a company, and should be a great ambassador of the brand.
A good franchisor…
Should have a vision and be passionate about their brand.
My top advice for prospective franchisees is…
Do your homework, speak to as many franchisors and franchisees as possible, and if everything lines up, embrace the lifestyle and go for it!
My top advice for new franchisors is…
Take time to set up your system properly up front by retaining professional advice, having your infrastructure in place, and ensuring you’re financially sound to accommodate the new venture, because the royalty stream may take some time to happen. Above all, make sure your concept has legs.
The most important thing in life is…
Family, happiness, fulfillment, and enjoyment in what you do, and always giving a helping hand when you can.
One of the most enjoyable things to do is…
Spend time with my grandkids.
The hardest thing for me to do is…
Accept failure.
My favourite drink is…
A nice bold, robust, full-bodied, peppery cabernet.
If I could change one thing…
I would make sure every child goes to bed with a full stomach.
If I could meet anyone…
I would meet someone older and wiser, perhaps an Aristotle-type from a remote village who has experienced the inner path in life. Or Nobel Peace Prize Winner Malala Yousafzai.
The person who has had the most positive influence on me as a businessperson is…
Jeff Bezos from Amazon. He started from nothing and with his persistence and dedication, he is where he is today.
Canadian franchising is…
Still in its embryotic stages. There’s a lot more work to be done, especially with building relationships and exchanging expertise between franchisors to help build our industry and various segments further.
My franchise system began because…
I believed in the concept and the product, and there was a need.
The most positive influence on my life as a person is…
My parents.
The key to success is…
Wanting it with honesty, respect, and an open mind.
I’d like my friends to describe me as…
A simple, humble person who you can always count on.
The accomplishment I look forward to the most is…
Fulfillment in my heart.
My personal motto is…
“It is what it is.”
One necessary item on my life’s “to do” list is…
Take my family to Greece for a much-needed vacation and introduce my kids and grandkids to the place I come from (let’s see how they handle the village – I hear the Wifi is not so good there!).